The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar was the inaugural issue for the series created to memorialize the fallen President. The coins were struck for circulation at the Philadelphia and Denver Mints. The Philadelphia Mint also struck proof versions in the coin for inclusion within government issued sets. All coins minted with this date are struck in a composition of 90% silver and 10% copper.
The circulation strikes were saved in large numbers by the public, initially as a memento of President John F. Kennedy, but in later years due to the silver content. This was the final year that the half dollar was struck in 90% silver and each coin contains a net weight of 0.36169 in pure silver.
The 1964 Proof Kennedy Half Dollar was released ahead of the circulation strikes and was the highest production level for a proof set to date.
Mintage:
| Philadelphia | Denver | Proof |
| 273,304,004 | 156,205,446 | 3,950,762 |